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Apple History: Acorn, a virtual click-wheel-based OS which lost out to iOS, shown in its 2006-era glory [video]

Sonny Dickson this evening posted posted a log and video of a never before seen in public version of pre-iPhone era software that was built as an alternative OS to what eventually became iOS.

The OS, which was devised in the iPod’s heyday, was based on a virtual click-wheel that was put on the touch display. A set of menus is navigated with the touch much like one would using an iPod of the time. In the era of multi-touch the idea seems quaint but when everyone is using iPods, the UI makes a lot of sense as a small step rather than the giant leap to iPhone OS, what eventually became iOS.

Check out the video below:

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Filed under: Apple

Tim Cook accused of being ‘disrespectful to the Irish people’ after refusing to appear before tax probe committee

Apple’s tax battle in Ireland has been a long and convoluted affair for the company, but adding insult to injury, Tim Cook is now being accused of being “disrespectful” to the country and its citizens.

As noted by The Financial Times, Cook turned down an invitation to talk to a committee of governmental officials investigating Apple’s tax setup in the country, a move that has been seen by some as disrespectful…

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Filed under: Apple

JVC, Pioneer, Clarion, & Kenwood launch new aftermarket CarPlay systems as Alpine intros first wireless option

CES 2017 has officially kicked into full gear ahead of the show opening to the public this weekend, and today we get a look at the latest aftermarket in-dash entertainment systems that support Apple’s CarPlay platform. Announcements at the show include new products from JVC, Clarion, Kenwood, Pioneer, and one of the first aftermarket units to support wireless CarPlay connectivity from Alpine. Head below for all the details.

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Filed under: Apple

T-Mobile now includes fees & taxes in ONE pricing and introduces ‘Kickback’ program

T-Mobile’s CEO John Legere took the stage at CES 2017 today to share the latest Uncarrier news. T-Mobile has announced they are going “All in” on their T-Mobile ONE plans. This means starting on January 22, new customers will only be able to choose the ONE plan. Additionally, the carrier will be including all fees and taxes into the price of your T-Mobile ONE plan.

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Filed under: Apple

Dell announces massive 32-inch UltraSharp 8K display, alongside a 27-inch smart workspace touchscreen

Taking a leap forward past the competition, Dell has today announced the launch of its UltraSharp 32-inch Ultra HD 8K Monitor and a massive 27-inch horizontal touchscreen, the Dell Canvas. The UltraSharp 32 is the “world’s first” 32-inch 8K display, packing in a whopping 1 billion colors and a 280 ppi. The Dell Canvas is a “smart workspace” designed as a plug and play system for Windows 10 devices looking to unleash everyone’s creativity.

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Filed under: Apple

iOS 10 now installed on 76% of active devices, according to Apple’s stats

Apple has updated its iOS 10 usage statistics, which tracks the operating system version used by iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that visit the App Store. The company now says that more than three quarters of the iOS device user base are running iOS 10, at 76%, with iOS 9 sitting at 18%.

This is an increase of more than 13 percentage points since the chart was last updated in late November. Apple has previously said that iOS had the highest adoption rate ever.

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Filed under: Apple

Honeywell extends Lyric Platform with Lyric Cameras & HomeKit-compatiblility for Lyric Security system

Honeywell has announced today their first-ever Lyric Cameras and eventual software upgrade for Lyric Security systems, which will make the system compatible with Apple’s HomeKit. Honeywell’s two new Wi-Fi indoor cameras, the Lyric C1 and C2, pair with the Lyric app to access live streaming, recorded events, and alerts for when something is seen or analyzed like a smoke/CO detector going off.

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Filed under: Apple

9to5Toys Lunch Break: 15″ MacBook Pro w/ Touch Bar $2,200, Samsung Surround Sound w/ Sub $230, D-Link Wi-Fi Cam $30, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

15-inch-macbook-pro

Apple’s powerhouse 15-inch MacBook Pro w/ Touch Bar drops to $2,200 shipped (Reg. $2,399)

Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is now $150 off in both capacities, from $1,650 shipped

samsung-surround-sound-speaker-deal

Samsung’s popular 5.1-Ch. Surround Sound System w/ Wireless Sub is now on sale for $230 shipped ($300 value)

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The iOS/Android connected D-Link Day & Night Wi-Fi Camera w/ Remote Viewing is down to $30 Prime shipped (Reg. $50)

apple-imac-21-inch

Apple’s 21-inch iMac 2.8GHz/8GB/1TB has dropped to $1,100 shipped (Reg. $1,299)

Save nearly $300 on Apple’s 27-inch Retina 5K iMac 3.2GHz/8GB/1TB Fusion: $1,700 (Reg. $1,999)

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Lifeline Whiteout for iOS goes free on the App Store for the very first time (Reg. $2)

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CES 2017 Coverage:

Sony looks to upend LG with its stunning OLED 4K HDR Ultra HDTVs at CES 2017

Blue Microphones announce retro-inspired Bluetooth headphones designed with iPhone 7 in mind

Misfit adds a touchscreen on its newest $199 Vapor smartwatch that includes a two-day battery

Samsung hits CES with new QLED Ultra HDTVs that include a collection of aluminum stands

Here’s our first look at LG’s new impossibly thin ‘Wallpaper’ 4K OLED displays

Turn the shower on from bed with the new U by Moen Smart Wi-Fi Connected Shower System

Mohu’s new Airwave HD Antenna wirelessly beams your local channels to Apple TV, iOS, Android, Roku and more

DJI intros new special edition Phantom 4, Osmo products for iPhone, iPad app for autonomous flights, & more

LEGO BOOST brings your builds to life with its kid-friendly coding kit and smartphone apps

Belkin revamps its popular Wemo Switch with a slimmer design alongside a new Light Dimmer

Kingston unveils “the world’s highest capacity USB Flash drive”

AirTV is the first official Sling TV set-top box with 4K content and OTA

Linksys joins the mesh network craze with its new Alexa-enabled Velop 802.11ac system

Lenovo borrows Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service for its new Smart Assistant Speaker

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

aukey-5-port-charger

Smartphone Accessories: Aukey USB Charger with USB-C Port & 4 USB Ports $20 Prime shipped (Reg. $25), more

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

sony-mdrzx330bt

Sony’s Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones feature 30-hour battery life, on sale now for $45 shipped (Reg. $70+)

Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear iOS Headphones are on sale for $90 shipped (Reg. $115)

withings-body-comp-scales

Start 2017 with a best-selling Withings Wi-Fi Body Composition Scale from $78 shipped at Amazon

stubhub-gift-card-01

Get up to 15% off w/ this discounted StubHub Gift Card, more

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Filed under: Apple

OtterBox’s modular uniVERSE Case System comes to the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro

 

OtterBox today has unveiled that their modular uniVERSE case system, previously only for the iPhone, is now available for the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7-inch. Thanks to the iPads larger design, the uniVERSE case will include even more points to connect accessories, and even a removable spine where keyboards may be attached. Today’s announcement also includes over a dozen new accessory partners for the uniVERSE Case System.

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Filed under: Apple

Henge Docks becomes authorized Apple reseller to offer MacBooks & accessories bundled w/ its docking stations

Accessory maker Henge Docks, best known for its docking stations made for MacBooks, announced today that it has signed up to be an official Apple reseller allowing it to offer Apple’s MacBooks and accessories bundled with its companion products.

In order to do this, Henge Docks has partnered with Apple through the company’s Authorized Business Solution Provider (ABSP) program.

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Filed under: Apple

ViewSonic announces three new external displays at CES, including a curved 37-inch 4K model with USB-C

ViewSonic has announced three new high-end displays for 2017 including a 31-inch 4K with ‘frameless’ design and a 37-inch curved 4K model. It is also launching a cheaper 27-inch QHD display. Two of the new monitors feature USB-C connectivity which means a single cable acts as the display connector, provides power and some I/O thanks to the integrated USB hub.

The displays seem well positioned as professional monitors for Apple customers with the new USB-C only MacBook Pro. The good looks come at a price though: the 4K models cost upwards of $1300. ViewSonic says the new displays will be available in June …

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Filed under: Apple